Burglars target local businesses

Posted: February 25, 2013 10:07:16 AM PST

Bellingham Police are alerting the community concerning several commercial burglaries reported in the last two months. The first was reported on December 3rd to a business in the 1400 block of King Street. Since that date, 13 other burglaries similar in nature have been investigated. The locations range throughout Bellingham including businesses on King Street, East Holly Street, James Street, 11th Street, North State Street, Cornwall Avenue and Harris Avenue. What the burglaries have in common is the suspect(s) are breaking windows to enter. At this time, police are not going into specific details as this is an ongoing and active investigation. More information will be provided as investigators believe it appropriate. The following crime prevention tips are being provided.

Before you leave for the night/weekend, please remove all cash from your register and put it in a safe place. Leave emptied register drawers open.

Leave a light on and your windows uncovered after closing. This allows for an unobstructed view inside.

Consider applying security film on the interior of your glass windows. Security film adds a layer of protection from glass breakage and is available through several local vendors.

If you have an alarm system, make sure it is operating properly and is turned on.

If you see anyone acting suspiciously around a closed business, please call 911.

If you are a victim of a burglary, call 911 and report it. In some cases, police are not notified if loss is minimal, however, this is valuable information to have.

If you use a security camera, make sure it is operating properly.

Make sure all of your doors and windows are locked before you leave.

Anyone that hears an audible burglary alarm, especially at night, is asked to call 911.

Anyone with information concerning these recent commercial burglaries is asked to please contact Bellingham Police by calling Detective Tim Ferguson at 360-778-8824 or Tip Line at 360-778-8611. You can also leave an electronic tip by email at Bellingham Police Tips.